Hello! Hoping to get your collective wisdom on this one - I believe I need a new starter and I have sourced the parts needed.. In your opinion, is this a job that I can do in my garage with jackstands and regular tools, or do you recommend I find a shop that will do it?

 

SeanC115,

First of all, what car do you have? Is it a 5.3 or a 3.6? It makes a huge difference as to the degree of difficulty?

Also, what makes you think you need a new starter? Many of the problems that owners have with slow starters are more likely to be positive or earth connections, either at the starter or at the bulkhead of the car.

Cheers

Paul

 

Hi Paul, thanks for the reply! I have the 5.3 and I believe it's the starter because it has been sounding like it's strggling for several months. Over the last week it began making a very slow almost grinding noise without being able to start the car. Now now it does not engage at all. I replaced the battery and it still will not engage. I'm definitely willing to try to troubleshoot other things first. Kind Regards - Sean

 

Sean,

Others, particularly Greg recently, have described the removal and replacement of the V12 starter motor. Read through the posts and you'll get a feel for the procedure and the difficulty involved.

It's definitely worth you disconnecting, cleaning and reseating the wiring connections at the starter motor and back to the bulkhead power and earth terminals. They are all prone to deterioration. It could save you a huge amount of money and effort, and just possibly, cure the issue.

Good luck

Paul

 

Yes. But you won't like it

I've done it that way, years ago. Not sure if I could do it nowadays with all my aching joints and bones! If you're under 60 you can probably do it . Under 50 might be better

In a very brief nutshell you'll have to drop the RH exhaust pipe and remove various heatshields (make a note of how they go back!). Use a long extension to reach the top bolt....which takes a 7/16 twelve point socket.

Others will have more detail

But, yes, make sure you really need to replace it first!

Cheers
DD